TROUBLED Chester City last night surprisingly parted company with manager Jim Harvey, as a change of ownership at the Deva Stadium was rumoured to be just around the corner.

It is understood that a consortium, which includes the club’s new director of football Morrell Maison, have agreed to purchase all or a majority shareholding of the Football Conference outfit, currently owned by the Vaughan family.

It is likely that Maison, who has previously had management experience with Kettering Town and Halesowen Town, will take over the running of team affairs at the Blue Square Premier League’s basement club.

Maison is currently serving a touchline ban following an “altercation” with one of his players during his time at Halesowen.

Harvey, who left the club by mutual consent, said: “I have enjoyed my spell at Chester, obviously the behind the scenes problems haven’t helped. It is a great club, and given the right direction I am convinced it can bounce back.

“I have been informed that the new consortium don’t see me in their future plans, so the most honourable thing I can do is agree to leave.”

The former Tranmere Rovers midfielder and Morecambe manager continued: “There is the nucleus of a good squad at Chester, but they do need to strengthen, if of course the finances permit.”

It is thought Maison will endeavour to bring youngsters from the Bedfordshire based football academy he is in involved with to make up squad numbers.

Lifelong supporter Barrie Hipkiss said: “The club is becoming a soap opera, to get rid of Jim Harvey is crazy. We desperately need a change of ownership at the club, but this whole situation sends out the wrong message to the fans.

“We seem to lurch from one crisis to another on a regular basis at Chester City, and this latest development appears to another nail in the coffin.”